The advent of the Internet and social technologies have greatly enhanced participation by the public in scientific research. For example, Zooniverse currently offers 51 projects asking for public assistance. However, so-called “citizen science” remains an under-utilized resource. Citizen scientists can help to map, record and ultimately preserve biodiversity. We at Biodiversity Professionals strongly encourage our […]

To better manage our native vegetation, the New South Wales government is delivering a comprehensive and complete state-wide baseline for the extent and distribution of the different groupings or types of vegetation – the State Vegetation Type Map (SVT Map). The SVT is based on site surveys, a standard classification system and high resolution spatial […]

With construction and development essential for continued economic growth, it is crucial that the current upward trend does not come at the expense of the natural environment. Further awareness of the relationship between natural systems and a strong economy has led to organisations developing plans and strategies that integrate both economic and environmental targets. An […]

We are incredibly excited about the First International Conference of The Collaboration for Environmental Evidence (CEE). Our theme for this inaugural event is “Better Evidence. Better Decisions. Better Environment.” CEE is an open collaboration with a global mission to provide the best available evidence to inform decision making in the environmental sector. We are witnessing […]

The scientific literature identifies many opportunities for the application of DNA technologies to biodiversity assessment, conservation and environmental protection, enthusiastically advocating use of the technology. The transformation in DNA processing technologies driven by the human genome project, and the creation of DNA barcodes are identified as key enablers. However, despite the apparent optimism, the application […]

Introduced species get a bad rap from conservationists Over the last half-century, conservationists worldwide have taken every opportunity to deride introduced species certain in the knowledge that their views would escape serious scrutiny. We’ve all been singing from the same song sheet—the louder and more passionate the denouncement the more praise it has attracted. Many […]

Let’s face it, top-down approaches haven’t worked. While the big NGOs have some merits, the model of going into a conservation area and it fencing off has not made much difference to the overall trend of biodiversity loss and wildlife population declines. One answer is to engage communities more frequently and more effectively. According to […]